Life at W. P. Carey

“The best thing that students can do is to know themselves. When people are giving advice you need to know what’s true for you. I encourage students to ask good questions if people are saying things towards a company and try to get them to think more critically,” says Associate Director of Career Coaching and Programming Toni Rhorer.

Toni has worked in various career service roles at ASU for the past seven years. She joined W. P. Carey in 2014 as the supply chain management career coach. Prior to becoming a Sun Devil, Toni was a career consultant for MBA students.

“I loved supply chain. It’s a dynamic field that continues to evolve with new technology and innovations. The students that come into that concentration are motivated and fun to work with.”

After four-and-a-half years of coaching supply chain students, Toni moved into the role of Full-time MBA coach. Last year, she was promoted to associate director and now leads a team of the graduate level career coaches. Toni has always been a huge advocate for higher education.

“I was a first generation college student, so I am very passionate about helping people succeed. I love working with MBA students specifically, because you get to really know them and help shape their career future,” she says.

“Being in an environment with people who have the same goals and objectives is very motivating. There are so many people who are passionate about helping students. It’s quite an inspirational place to be.” One thing that Toni wants students to understand is the importance of critical thinking.

“My advice to students who are getting advice is to really think critically about things people are telling them, and understanding where that’s coming from. We have a lot of students who get advice from other students, and it’s very personal to that one person. Sometimes students don’t stop and think about that piece of it. Some students even make decisions from that. My advice is surround yourself with people that you know and trust, and when you are acting on advice, think very critically about it.”

Toni says that one of the main quotes she always tries to live by is: How you do one thing is how you do everything. When you commit to doing your best at the little tasks, whether it’s showing up on time or following up via email, you’re setting high standards. “That commitment to excellence is reflected in everything you do,” says Toni.

In her free time, Toni is a bookworm. Whether it’s reading with her daughters or gifting books to children, reading and expanding knowledge has always been a crucial part of her life. She’s also working on her black belt in karate, so watch out!

Professional

What do you like about your job? Everyone is devoted to helping students succeed.

What’s your favorite W. P. Carey School event? W. P. sCarey.

Have you ever received especially good advice? “Leaders take less of the credit and more of the blame.”

What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the real world? Think critically about the advice you’re receiving from others, and surround yourself with people you know and trust. The best thing students can do is to know themselves and to ask more questions towards students who are giving them advice.

What lessons have you learned from the people you work with? A lot of people can have different opinions, but it doesn’t mean they’re wrong. One thing I’ve learned is you can get to the same end goals a lot of different ways, but you really have to be open to hearing what other people have to say.

Personal

What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Recently we took a cruise to Belize and did a Mayan ruins tour. We hiked through the jungle and up to the top.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I love to read and spend time with my two teenage daughters.

What fictional character would you want to be? Why? My oldest daughter is reading Pride and Prejudice for school right now and it’s interesting to reflect on the main character, Elizabeth. She was such a smart person for that time. She’s super sarcastic and witty and does not conform to the mold of what women should be at that time. I would like to be someone like that.

What is your hometown and what is it best known for? I grew up in a little Bavarian village in Washington at the base of the Cascade Mountains called Leavenworth. It’s very scenic.

What habit has most improved your life? I’m a big organizer so I have a paper planner. It keeps me organized and gives me a broader overview of what’s happening day to day. I think that being organized on paper is what helps me function the best.